About us

Jack’s Seaview is the creation of David and Laura, both British who have made South Africa their home for the last 27 years.

Both working in the world of big corporate entities for many years and seeking a better quality of life, they swapped the M25 and grey streets of London for the vibrant and technicolour world of 1998 Johannesburg. The ten years in Johannesburg was a wonderful introduction to South Africa and its people, so it wasn’t long before they decided to put down roots and make South Africa their home.

2006 saw them seeking to simplify their lives away from the world of big business (and the safety of a salary at the end of every month as well!) and start looking for a piece of land to build their future. In 2007 they bought a 1300m2 plot in the quiet village of Betty’s Bay and started building. In December 2008 with the building only 70% finished they opened Café Jack, a 6 day a week eatery serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner to locals and visitors from the four corners of the globe and South Africa.

Café Jack opened just as the global recession hit and so the first few years were tough but because they owned the building there was no choice but to soldier on. Perseverance prevailed and 2012 saw the opening of the first of four B&B rooms with the final room opening in 2018 and most of the work being undertaken by David and Laura themselves.

From then on the business grew and grew with David in the restaurant kitchen 6 days a week, 14 hours a day and Laura running the restaurant, waiting tables and welcoming folk into the B&B.

Jump to Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 which were stellar months for the businesses but by now with the pair in their 60’s it was time to look to pastures new and so the restaurant, now known as ‘Jack’s’, closed its doors for the final time on 20 July 2025 and new tenants moved in shortly after.

David and Laura now spend their days in a little more of a relaxed state, managing the rooms and ensuring the building is meeting the needs of the tenants that occupy the ground floor. Both have outside interests that keep them busy but on any given day you will see them dodging around with a paint pot, a garden trowel, or a bag of cement in one hand and a determined look in their eyes.

From working class south east London to one of the most beautiful village on earth in 60 years…. What wonderful opportunities we are all afforded if we are willing and able to take that first scary leap.